Kid-Safe Chemicals Bill Re-Introduction Planned

NYT Article Confirms Cabinet Confidential Findings

On February 14th, 2007, Senator Lautenberg (D-NJ) announced his intention to reintroduce the Kid-Safe Chemicals Act, which would require manufacturers to demonstrate the safety of their chemicals for the most-vulnerable subpopulation, which is usually children. The Act combines elements of the European chemical law REACH with recent advances in children's environmental health in American policy.

In 2004, NET examined household cleaners and cosmetics, concluding that many products contain toxic chemicals not listed on the labels, including volatile organic compounds, phthalates, and glycols. A recent New York Times article confirms what we found in Cabinet Confidential, detailing that many cleaners can contribute to poor indoor air quality and that they contain chemicals to which people may want to avoid exposure, particularly for their children. While the manufacturers point out that these chemicals are safe when used as directed, they do not address use of multiple products. Interestingly, they have now begun to develop alternative cleaners without some of these toxic chemicals.